Does it get easier?

I've been running for over 2 months now. I don't like it. In fact, I hate it. Before I start, I have to give myself a 5 minute pep talk. Yes, I dislike it that much. But I do it because I know it's an excellent form of aerobic exercise, and it makes me feel great! Plus, I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. But it begs the question, "When does it get easier?"

Running is hard work. It's 1000 times more tiring than walking. The huffing, puffing and panting alone tire me out. Seriously, if you're a runner and you're reading this, can you tell me when it gets easier? When will I finally become adjusted to running 3 (or even 5 miles) at a time?

I have to admit...the best thing about running is that it's quick. I can run 3 miles in a little less than 30 minutes. 30 minutes and my workout is over. Love that!

FINALLY! Some good news

My doctor's office called this morning to give me the results of my lipid profile. I have to admit, I never know what to expect with these tests. When I thought my cholesterol was good, it was bad. So, my rule of thumb is to have zero expectations. This way I'm pleasantly surprised rather than incredibly disappointed.

Today, I was pleasantly surprised. My cholesterol is in the normal range again! Yay!! In addition to taking my daily dose of Lipitor, I've been exercising and watching my diet to help lower it. And I've been drinking my daily wine (YUM!) to help raise my HDL. Yes, it's been proven. According to my cardiologist a daily glass of wine will help raise your HDL. Go out and get yourself a bottle!! :)

My first "race"

Well, technically it's considered a "fun run/walk". But in any event, I'll be running two miles (without stopping!) on Saturday October 10 for the 40th anniversary of my daughter's elementary school. I'm excited! It's my first official run, and it's a big step for me. If all goes well, I'll be signing up for a 5k to take place on October 24 to benefit breast cancer, a cause near and dear to me.

I've got 2 weeks to train!!

The dreaded cholesterol check

I had my blood drawn yesterday to re-check my lipid profile. It's been 3 months since I've been on Lipitor, and my doctor wants to see how the current dosage is working out. I meet with my doctor to review the results on October 2nd. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

I have to give credit where credit is due. If my bad cholesterol came down and my good went up, I'll owe it all to Will Power. My good pal has been instrumental in helping me keep my diet in check (something that was near impossible considering I was on vacation for a week and had a death in the family a week after returning from vacation). Who can eat healthfully under those circumstances? Well, according to Will Power, I had no choice. And exercise? Will Power cut me a little slack in that area but not much. On Monday morning when I woke, Will Power's first words were, "The party's over, honey!"

Back to business!

Excuses, excuses

Yes. I'll admit that I've been full of them lately. But before you judge, just listen to what's been keeping me from blogging.

My mother-in-law passed away on September 12 after a short battle with lung cancer (more on that topic later). In between her wake, her funeral and all the prep and planning that accompanies a death, I've managed to squeeze in some exercise. It's been minimal, but I did get some running in last week.

This week I started doing some serious walking. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, my youngest daughter attends preschool for 3 hours. While she's at school, I've been walking. Both days I walked 6.4 miles each day!!!!!!! How awesome is that? The weather has been very cooperative, and I find it so soothing to just pop on my iPod and go. It takes me about 1 hour and 45 minutes to walk 6.4 miles. I've got a lot of company too! I walk here, and there are always tons of others walking or running. So I basically get to people watch and exercise at the same time.

Best of all, my good friends are still hanging around. Motivation and Determination have been by my side through thick and thin. Will Power hasn't abandoned me either. Good friends are hard to find!! :)

I'm in love

...with yogurt. But not just any kind. I love Dannon Light and Fit White Chocolate Raspberry. It's deeeelicous. Now go out and get yourself some. I'm telling ya, you're gonna love it!

Vacation

OK, so here I am in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware for a week of R&R with my sisters and their families. It's all Good. Very Good.

A super close family friend is here, and oh, she just happens to be a personal trainer. Very convenient to have on vacation. She's keeping us all in line. We do our daily exercises and my sister Brenda and I have been walking every morning. OK, well today we missed our walk. We woke early to watch the sunrise, and I was just too darn tired after taking pictures of the sunrise to walk. So what did I do? I went back to sleep for almost 2 hours. Pathetic, I know.

OK, on to the most important part of vacation...the food. I have to admit it's been torture. TORTURE. I am surrounded by deeeelicious treats, and I can't have any of it. I little sneak here and there is OK, but seriously, who does that? Either you fully indulge or you sustain. I've been forced to sustain. I'm not happy about it.

I'm watching everyone around me devour funnel cakes, french fries, fudge, and pizza. I can hear the trans fats calling my name. They are practically begging me to eat them. But thanks to the almighty Will Power, I've been able to ignore the demands of the trans fats. I have no choice. In 3 short weeks I'll have my lipid profile retested, and I CANNOT let trans fats win this battle. No way. No how.

I'm going to come out swingin'!